Wuxi Ancient Village

Wuxi Ancient Village

Named after the stream that runs through it, Wuxi is a cultural ancient village in Xikeng She Ethnic Town, Wencheng County. Established in 1209 AD, the village boasts a history of over 700 years. A stream flows through the area, and the “Wuxi Bridge” spans gracefully overhead like a rainbow, connecting the eastern and western parts of the village.

The Fu Family Genealogy records: “Fu Ning, the 12th-generation descendant who passed the imperial examination in the Xianchun era, namely Imperial Scholar Yinggao, relocated from Quangu Valley in Nantian to Wuxi in the 31st year of the Yuanshi era (1294).” The village has existed for over 700 years. The old genealogy also states: “A spring converges with the stream, its sound trickling like human conversation, hence originally named ‘Yuxi’ (Language Stream). Due to the visual similarity between the characters ‘语’ (language) and ‘浯’ (another character pronounced similarly), it later became known as ‘Wuxi.’ In 1939, Qingtian County installed a postbox in the village, but the postal stamp mistakenly read ‘Wuxi,’ and the name has been used ever since.”

The Fu Xiangguo Ancestral Hall was first built in the 29th year of the Qianlong era (1764). The existing structure is well-preserved, covering an area of 1,200 square meters. The architecture is solemn yet spacious, characterized by a rich ancient artistic style. The surroundings are picturesque: backed by Xiushan Mountain, two ancient pines stand behind the hall, their twisted branches stretching like umbrellas. On both sides of the wall surrounding the main hall, a well was dug on each side. In front of the left well is a fishpond, and to the right is a kitchen. To the left in front of the hall stands an ancient camphor tree, which remains lush to this day.

Fu Bi was a prominent statesman and diplomat of the Song Dynasty. His noble spirit and numerous writings are important cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. The Fu Xiangguo Ancestral Hall, rebuilt in the Jiachen year of the Qianlong era (1764) and renovated again in the Guimao year of the Daoguang era (1843), serves as a memorial to the notable historical figure Fu Bi, while also enshrining Fu Tao, the first ancestor of the Fu family who migrated to the county. During his service in the Northern Song Dynasty, Fu Bi served as prime minister twice, achieving remarkable feats. Often referred to by the public as the “Loyalty and Filial Piety Ancestral Hall,” it is more commonly known as the Fu Xiangguo Ancestral Hall.

The Wenchang Pavilion was first constructed in the 13th year of the Jiaqing era (1808). It is a three-story wooden building with a traditional hip-and-gable roof. The first floor originally served as the Main Worship Hall, where a seated statue of Guan Yu was enshrined, along with statues of his two generals Zhou Cang and Guan Ping. The second floor houses the statue of the Wenchang Emperor. The third floor is the Kuixing Pavilion, featuring a statue of Kuixing, the god of literature, depicted holding a writing brush and standing atop a turtle. The architectural design features eaves that gradually narrow toward the top, giving the structure a stable and majestic appearance. Nestled among green-shaded ancient camphor trees, the environment is serene and tranquil. Both this site and the Fu Xiangguo Ancestral Hall were designated as county-level cultural heritage protection units in 1977.

In addition, there are other historic residences still in existence, such as the former home of Nationalist Lieutenant General Fu Wen, the birthplaces of influential figures including the “father of Chinese journalism” Zhao Chaogou—“Jinyang Old House” and “Nanyang Old House”—as well as the ancient homes of Jinxing Qirui. The village also features unique sights such as the “Horse Pen Base” in the east village and the “Grand Tutor Hall” in the west village, not to mention the rare sight of three-tiered palm thatched roofs, all adding charm to the landscape.

Along the stream, what was once barren riverbanks now feature intricately carved stone railings. The check dams on the riverbed have been completed, and several “bare-wall houses” by the creek have undergone exterior renovations, resulting in a unified black-tile-and-white-wall color scheme that gives the village a distinctly Jiangnan water town aesthetic. By night, the village’s farmhouse dining street becomes especially charming, lit up by lamps and accented by the starry sky.

In this peaceful and serene mountain village, you can stay in a traditional old-style courtyard. In your leisure, sit in a comfortable wooden rocking chair, or rest weary under the dense shade of ancient camphor trees. Let the blue skies and white clouds drift by like flowing water as you wander alone in the quiet yard. Brew a pot of fine tea, listen to the breeze brushing over ink-scented rice paper, watch the banana leaves sway in the corners of moss-covered walls, stretch your arms in the tranquility, breathe deeply the earthy air, and immerse yourself in this idyllic place.

Transportation:

The new Provincial Highway 56 leads directly to the entrance of Wuxi Village. It takes just a 20-minute drive from Wuxi Village to Wencheng County.